Falcons in Mississippi may not be the main draw of this vibrant state, but they’re a big plus! There are a few species that make their home here or visit occasionally, all of which you should watch out for.
With a humid climate and dense forests, this state may seem incompatible with falcons. They’re birds of prey who usually prefer flat, open spaces where they can scan for prey or square up with predators, right?
Turns out they’re still keen on making any place home as long as there’s abundant food and plenty of available nests. Most of these species also show up during the winter!
If you live in Mississippi or plan on visiting once it gets cold, check out the list below so you don’t accidentally overlook these brilliant birds.
American Kestrel
- Species Name: Falco Sparverius
- Weight: 80 grams to 165 grams
- Length: 22 cm to 31 cm
- Wingspan: 51 to 61 cm
This gorgeous bird is one of the most widespread species in the United States. Unsurprisingly, they even show up in Mississippi despite the state technically having an environment they don’t prefer!
Appearance
The American Kestrel cuts a striking figure against the state’s lush green trees. Their warm-and-cool coloration, flecked wings, and yellow beak will make a stunning photo op if you get lucky.
Female American Kestrels look similar to the males — this is a common occurrence in falcons — but are a little larger. They also have more brown along the body but still have the characteristic black-and-white flecks and face stripes.
Range
If you want to catch a few of these in the wild, you’ll have to do some birdwatching sessions during a Mississippi winter. If you’re lucky, you may occasionally glimpse them during the rest of the year.
Like most falcons, they still prefer vast, open spaces. You’ll often see them along highways where they can perch on a fence post or pole, scanning their environment for prey.
Diet
What does a small falcon eat? Why, small prey, of course!
The American Kestrel enjoys a diverse diet of insects, small lizards, and occasionally a tiny mammal. They’ll even eat frogs, which Mississippi has an abundance of.
Breeding
In classic American kestrel fashion, they don’t build their own nests — they’ll use the old nests or hollows of other birds to house their eggs. Interestingly enough, American kestrels are usually monogamous and will mate for life.
Birdcall
This tiny bird has a huge voice. They have a characteristic klee-klee-klee call you can hear from very far away, so I recommend getting some binoculars for your next outing.
Fun Fact
If you live in Mississippi and don’t want to travel to find them, consider building a nest box. American Kestrels are big fans of cozy little human constructs that save them time.
Peregrine Falcon
- Species Name: Falco peregrinus
- Weight: 330 grams to 1,500 grams
- Length: 34 cm to 58 cm
- Wingspan: 29 cm to 47 cm
Yes, one of the most famous birds is right in the Magnolia state! The adaptability of the peregrine falcon is almost as impressive as their legendary speed in flight.
Appearance
You won’t overlook the peregrine falcon easily. This stunning bird has dark gray-brown feathers and a bright white chest covered in flecks.
Their bold yellow legs, yellow-rimmed eyes, and yellow beak cut a stunning contrast to the rest of their plumage.
Males and females look very similar, but females are much bigger. They almost look bulky compared to their male counterparts.
Range
Increase your chances of spotting a peregrine falcon by either visiting the western or southern parts of the state. They’re most likely to show up once winter arrives.
While they often prefer coastlines, they’re increasingly common in urban areas – I wasn’t kidding when I said they’re adaptable!
Need a starting point? Check out the lovely Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to catch glimpses of peregrine falcons as well as several other bird species like ospreys and herons.
Diet
While many falcons are quick to chase after insects or lizards, peregrine falcons much prefer to hunt other birds. They’re especially fond of eating ducks, ptarmigans, doves, pigeons, and songbirds.
Birdcall
Peregrine falcons have an interesting, rough call of kak-kak-kak. They can also sometimes let out swooping screeches.
Fun Fact
You likely know that peregrine falcons are the fastest birds, but did you know they’re very daring hunters, too? Despite their smaller size, they’ll sometimes hunt prey as large as herons.
Merlin
- Species Name: Falco columbarius
- Weight: 125 grams to 300 grams
- Length: 24 cm to 33 cm
- Wingspan: 58 cm to 66 cm
This magical-sounding bird can be a little tricky to spot. Some of them come in rather dark coloration, which can make them appear like a raven or a swallow at a glance.
Appearance
The Merlin is a sleek, small, and delicate falcon with large eyes and a tiny beak. They tend to have bold coloration along the body with a brighter chest and throat.
The different morphs they come in are:
- Black Merlin – this falcon is a dark gray-blue with a bright white stomach coated in streaks
- Prairie Merlin – this version is a gentle brown with a bright stomach spotted with heavy flecks
- Pacific Northwest Merlin – lastly, this version is a pretty dark blue-black with a white stomach
Range
Alongside the American Kestrel, these birds are most likely to appear during the winter. Expect to see more of them along forest edges or bodies of water, both of which the state has plenty of.
Diet
This bird’s small size can be deceiving. While they sometimes eat insects, they also like to hunt various mammals and lizards.
Their flying style involves swooping low to scare prey out into the open. As such, you may be more likely to see them along the ground than in the air.
Breeding
In classic falcon fashion, merlins will look for unoccupied nest sites and inhabit them to lay their eggs. They often lay clutches of only a few eggs and will guard them fiercely until they hatch.
Males will often leave to bring back food for the mother. It’s also common for merlin babies to stick around their parents for a while, even after they’re able to fly.
Birdcall
These fierce falcons will switch between a laughter-like haw-haw or a classic kee-kee-kee.
Fun Fact
Merlins have a hefty diet, sometimes eating up to 900 birds in the span of a year.
Crested Caracara
- Species Name: Caracara cheriway
- Weight: 952 grams to 1,348 grams
- Length: 50 cm to 65 cm
- Wingspan: 120 cm to 132 cm
While this falcon is incredibly rare in Mississippi, it’s a gorgeous bird worth studying. You may be one of the lucky few who glimpses the species passing through!
Appearance
The crested caracara doesn’t even look like a falcon at a glance. It looks more like a stocky eagle or a vulture with its dark brown coloration, heavy build, broad wings, and large beak.
It has a distinctive silver-blue tip to its beak and orange face, making it impossible to miss. Males and females look so similar, that even field researchers have a tough time telling them apart.
Range
Since this bird shows up so rarely in Mississippi, it’s difficult to capture an ideal range. However, they much prefer flat, open areas and will sometimes linger near the edges of roads.
They also like to perch on tall, isolated branches or fence posts to survey the land.
Diet
This falcon is not a picky eater, going after a wide variety of mammals, lizards, or fish on an average day. They also are happy to scavenge from other birds.
Birdcall
Even if you don’t see this falcon, you’ll certainly recognize its call. It lets out dry, rattling kek-kek-kek patterns.
Fun Fact
What a unique species of falcons! For all that crested caracara look and act like vultures, they even follow vultures around to steal their kill.
Mississippi Has a Bounty of Falcons During the Winter Months
If you plan on swinging by the state to enjoy its (usually) milder winters, then you’ll have a bounty of falcons to enjoy. They tend to favor the cooler months in the Mongolia state and can be found in both natural and urban environments.
If you need a starting point, I recommend visiting the state’s many wildlife refuges and birding trails. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is one of the best places to start due to its abundance of many bird species, including falcons.
Want to learn more about birds in Mississippi? Don’t miss the following guides: